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Category: Volleyball

  • Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons show fight despite early exit in stacked Nuvali Challenge field

    Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons show fight despite early exit in stacked Nuvali Challenge field

    Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons may have exited the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge without a win, but not without proving they could stand their ground against some of the world’s rising beach volleyball pairs.

     

    Facing a much taller and more experienced Swiss tandem in Annique Niederhauser and Menia Bentele on Thursday at the Nuvali Sands Courts, the Alas Pilipinas duo pushed the match to the limit before bowing out, 20-22, 22-24, in a tightly contested battle that showcased both their grit and growing chemistry.

     

    The loss officially ended the Filipinas’ campaign in the tournament after finishing the modified pool play at 0-2, but the scoreline hardly reflected how competitive the match truly was.

     

    After narrowly dropping the opening set, Rondina and Pons responded with arguably their best stretch of the tournament in the second frame. The Filipinas dictated the tempo early and eventually built a 19-16 lead after Bentele committed a costly service error that energized the home crowd.

     

    For a moment, it looked like the hosts were headed for a deciding third set.

     

    But the Swiss pair refused to crack under pressure.

     

    Niederhauser and Bentele answered with a timely 4-0 surge to snatch back control, before surviving a tense extension capped by Niederhauser’s block and Bentele’s finishing attack to clinch a Round of 24 berth in the tournament organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission under chairman Patrick Gregorio.

     

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    Despite the heartbreak, Rondina took pride in how quickly she and Pons managed to compete at a high level together.

     

    “I’m proud of the result. It’s just nice because Pons only trained with me for one and a half weeks, but we were able to keep up with them,” said Rondina after the loss.

     

    For Pons, the tournament also served as a reminder of the massive leap in competition between regional events and the world stage.

     

    “The level of competition in the Challenge is really different. So I’m very grateful to compete against volleyball players from around the world,” Pons added.

     

    Bentele paced Switzerland with 13 points, while Niederhauser contributed 12 as the European pair once again ended the Filipinas’ Nuvali campaign after also defeating them in last year’s edition.

     

    Rondina carried the scoring load for Alas Pilipinas with 12 points, while Pons chipped in six markers in their final match of the tournament backed by Rebisco, Akari, Ayala Land, and PLDT.

     

    Earlier in the day, the Filipina tandem also absorbed a straight-set defeat to Denmark’s Sofia Bisgaard and Cirkeline Hog, 19-21, 17-21.

     

    Still, even in defeat, Rondina and Pons showed flashes of a partnership capable of challenging established international teams — something the Philippines hopes to continue building moving forward. 

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez keeps door open for Alas return: ‘I will never get tired of representing the country’ 

    Alyssa Valdez keeps door open for Alas return: ‘I will never get tired of representing the country’ 

    As Alas Pilipinas Women continues to navigate a major transition ahead of the AVC Women’s Cup, one familiar figure once again emerged willing to answer the call for the country.

     

    Alyssa Valdez may no longer be the young face of Philippine volleyball she once was, but the passion to represent the flag clearly remains unchanged. 

     

    Amid reports linking her to a possible return to the national team setup following several withdrawals from the previous Alas core, the longtime team captain admitted she remains open to helping the program in whatever way she can.

     

    “I will never get tired of representing the country,” Valdez said during a thanksgiving event on Wednesday in Makati.

     

    The 32-year-old, however, stopped short of fully confirming whether she would officially suit up for Alas Pilipinas once more in the upcoming continental tournament set for June 6 to 14 in Candon, Ilocos Sur. Valdez explained that she herself is still waiting for clarity regarding the plans surrounding the team moving forward.

     

    “Hopefully, hopefully, makatulong po tayo in our own little ways,” she shared. “‘Yung mga details and every other things, pasensiya na po, wala rin po ako masyadong alam. But definitely, once we all have the answers, we will all let you know and sana maintindihan niyo po.”

     

    Her comments come during a crucial period for the national volleyball program after several key members of the 2025 Alas Pilipinas squad reportedly begged off from rejoining the training pool. 

     

    Among the most notable names was team captain Jia de Guzman, whose absence leaves a significant leadership void within the squad as the federation works to rebuild the roster ahead of international competitions.

     

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    That situation has naturally shifted attention toward veteran players capable of helping stabilize the team, both on and off the floor. 

     

    Few names carry as much experience and influence within Philippine volleyball as Valdez, who has represented the country in multiple international tournaments over the years and became one of the defining figures of the sport’s rise in popularity locally.

     

    Still, what stood out most from Valdez’s remarks was not necessarily her openness to return, but the excitement she expressed about being around the younger generation expected to carry the future of Alas Pilipinas.

     

    “Napakasaya to be surrounded by young, talented girls. Hopefully, dumami pa rin. Sana talaga magtulung-tulungan din tayo in supporting these girls kasi… they deserve to be here,” she said.

     

    At this point in her career, Valdez no longer needs to cement her legacy. She has already become one of the most accomplished and respected athletes in Philippine volleyball history. Yet despite everything she has already achieved, the opportunity to once again wear the national colors still clearly means something deeply personal to her.

     

    Whether she ultimately joins the final lineup or contributes in another capacity, Valdez’s message remained clear: her commitment to Philippine volleyball and the national team has never faded.

     

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  • Rald Ricafort to receive PVL Coach of the Year honors after PLDT’s breakthrough season

    Rald Ricafort to receive PVL Coach of the Year honors after PLDT’s breakthrough season

    After steering the High Speed Hitters to a flawless championship run across the season’s first two conferences, Ricafort is set to be honored as Coach of the Year at the upcoming second PVL Press Corps Awards Night on May 30.


    The High Speed Hitters stormed through the inaugural PVL on Tour without dropping a match, securing the franchise’s first professional championship before carrying that momentum into the Invitationals. 

     

    By the end of the run, PLDT had built an impressive 15-game winning streak — a stretch that established the club as one of the league’s new standard-bearers.

     

    Ricafort’s influence extended beyond tactics. Under his leadership, PLDT evolved into one of the PVL’s most disciplined and balanced teams after previously struggling to sustain deep playoff success. 

     

    The veteran coach collected 11 total points in the Coach of the Year voting, drawing an average of 7.8 media votes and 3.2 team votes to finish ahead of former Cignal mentor Shaq Delos Santos and Sherwin Meneses of Creamline.

     

    His steady climb with the franchise became more evident throughout the season. PLDT first secured a fourth-place finish in the Reinforced Conference before capturing its first-ever bronze medal in the All-Filipino Conference, signaling that the team’s championship breakthrough was no longer a one-conference surprise but part of a larger progression.

     

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    Still, while PLDT emerged as the season’s biggest riser, the recent conference champion, Creamline Cool Smashers once again reminded the league why their dynasty continues to define the PVL era.

     

    After enduring one of the rarest dips in their dominant run, the Cool Smashers answered every question about their staying power by reclaiming the spotlight with their 11th championship. 

     

    That resilience earned Creamline its second straight Team of the Year award at the annual rites. Cool Smashers finished with 10.4 total points in the voting, 6.0 from media members, and 4.4 from team votes which is comfortably ahead of both PLDT and Cignal.

     

    For perhaps the first time in years, the Cool Smashers entered a conference without the aura of inevitability. The rest of the league had caught up considerably, with deeper rosters, stronger imports, and more organized systems challenging Creamline’s long-standing supremacy.

     

    Even with the return of stars like Bernadeth Pons, Jia de Guzman, and Jema Galanza, the road back to the top was anything but smooth. Creamline found itself pushed into multiple do-or-die situations during the 2026 All-Filipino Conference, while Cignal repeatedly threatened to break the team’s grip on the title.

     

    But when the pressure intensified, the Cool Smashers leaned on the championship composure built through years of winning.

     

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  • Vanie Gandler embraces pressure of leading Capital1’s new era 

    Vanie Gandler embraces pressure of leading Capital1’s new era 

    For Vanie Gandler, the move to Capital1 Solar Spikers was never simply about transferring teams.

    It was about choosing to start over after finally finding success.

     

    Just weeks removed from helping Cignal Super Spikers reach its breakthrough Finals appearance in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Gandler suddenly found herself facing a reality few players expected — the team she helped elevate was stepping away from the league.

     

    For many stars, that kind of uncertainty could have stalled momentum. Instead, the reigning PVL MVP chose to view it differently.

     

    “It wasn’t easy, especially with the season that we came out of. We finally reached the Finals for the first time in the All-Filipino Conference, so it was really heartbreaking,” she told reporters.

    “But you know, in life you always have to move forward. So I took this as a new challenge for me,” she added.

     

    That mindset ultimately led her to Capital1, a franchise still trying to establish itself among the PVL’s elite.

     

    The Solar Spikers already made headlines after securing top rookie Bella Belen, but despite flashes of promise, the team continued to struggle for consistency in recent conferences.

    Now, the pressure shifts.

     

    Gandler arrives not only as the league’s reigning MVP, but also as one of the faces expected to accelerate Capital1’s climb from rebuilding squad into legitimate contender.

     

    And she understands exactly what the challenge demands.

     

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    “Coming into the pros was a challenge, choosing a team was a challenge, and it ended up working. So I really just balanced where I could see I could grow, and I see that in Capital1 with everyone’s willingness to build a team,” said Gandler.

     

    “It’s my new challenge to help the team also build and write a new story.”

     

    That “new story” suddenly looks far more ambitious with Gandler and fellow former Cignal star Erika Santos joining forces with Belen.

     

    On paper, the trio instantly gives Capital1 one of the most intriguing offensive cores in the league — a blend of proven star power, rising talent, and fresh chemistry still waiting to fully unfold.

     

    But beyond the roster moves, the transfer also reflects something bigger for Gandler personally.

     

    For years, much of her journey revolved around proving she belonged among the PVL’s top names. She accomplished that with Cignal, transforming from promising prospect into league MVP and Finals centerpiece.

     

    Now comes a different responsibility: helping build a winning culture from the ground up.

    Capital1 owner Milka Romero made it clear the franchise is aiming far beyond simply becoming competitive.

     

    “And welcoming now experienced veterans is, I think, what we need to put an exclamation point to what the purpose of the team is, which is, of course, to win, to hopefully may a championship along the line,” Romero said.

     

    For Gandler, the challenge ahead may be unfamiliar. But after already navigating heartbreak, uncertainty, and major career decisions in just a matter of weeks, starting over no longer feels quite as intimidating.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas’ young pair showed promising performance despite exiting the Beach Pro Tour main draw

    Alas Pilipinas’ young pair showed promising performance despite exiting the Beach Pro Tour main draw

    For Alas Pilipinas, the result at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge may not have ended in a main draw appearance, but the performance of Sofiah Pagara and Khylem Progella told a different story—one of rapid growth, resilience, and glimpses of international potential.


    The young University of Santo Tomas duo entered the qualification rounds as underdogs but quickly proved they could compete with seasoned international pairs. 

     

    Their most notable moment came in a hard-fought battle against Hungary’s Lilla Villam and Stefania Kun, where they pushed the European side to the edge before bowing out 21-19, 21-18 at the Nuvali Sands Courts.

     

    What stood out was not just the scoreline, but how the duo responded under pressure. Down 12-16 in the second set, Pagara ignited a comeback attempt, stringing together a composed yet aggressive 4-0 run highlighted by two service aces and sharp attacking placements that leveled the set at 16-all. It briefly shifted momentum and put the Hungarian pair on alert.

     

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    However, the winners of last year’s Balikesir Futures, Villam and Kun leaned on their experience in the closing stretch, regaining control just in time to secure a place in the main draw and halt the Filipinas’ breakout run.

     

    The Philippine pair’s journey through qualification already included a breakthrough win earlier in the day, eliminating Germany’s Mareet Maidhof and Tabea Schwarz in a dramatic 21-19, 28-26 finish, with Pagara erupting for 25 points in that match alone. 

     

    That victory secured them as the lone Filipino duo to reach the second round of qualifiers.

     

    “It was very overwhelming. We learned a lot. They are experienced players from abroad, so we are very grateful that even though we fell short, we showed what we are capable of. I just really wanted to win, so I told myself I would give my best,” Pagara said. 

     

    Across the tournament, the gap in experience against global competition became evident, but so did the upside for Philippine beach volleyball. 

     

    Against Hungary, Germany, and other international teams, the young pair consistently showed they could extend rallies, adapt mid-game, and challenge higher-ranked opponents.

     

    On the men’s side, the Philippine campaign ended earlier as Alex Iraya and Alihfaisal Gampong were overpowered by Australia’s Oliver Merritt and Jed Walker, 21-7, 21-13, while Edwin Tolentino and Lerry Francisco also fell to Brazil’s Gabriel Santiago and Johann Dohmann, 21-12, 21-11.

     

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  • Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons embrace giant challenge as world’s beach volleyball elite arrive in Nuvali 

    Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons embrace giant challenge as world’s beach volleyball elite arrive in Nuvali 

    For years, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons spent most of their international journeys chasing stronger competition overseas.

     

    This week, the challenge finally came to them.

     

    Fresh off delivering a historic beach volleyball gold medal for the Philippines in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, Rondina and Pons now find themselves stepping into an entirely different battlefield — one filled with Olympians, world-ranked pairs, and some of the sport’s biggest names at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge.

     

    And instead of backing down from the moment, the Alas Pilipinas tandem is embracing it.

     

    “Actually, it’s really exciting. Personally, I’m excited about the challenge because there are so many Olympians here. You already know that Pons and I are the type of players who always grab opportunities whenever they come. That’s why we’re really preparing and mentally ready because we know this will be a very tough competition,” said Rondina.

     

    The Filipina pair opens its main draw campaign Thursday at the Nuvali Sands Courts, carrying not just momentum from Bangkok but also the expectations of a home crowd eager to see local stars compete against the world’s elite.

     

    But Rondina knows the jump in level will be massive.

     

    “What we showed in the SEA Games won’t be enough here. We’ll need to give double or even triple the effort because the level of players here is completely different. Our goal is to keep up with them and deliver consistent performances.”

     

    That challenge becomes even clearer when looking at the field assembled in Santa Rosa.

     

    Among those seeing action are Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist Taliqua Clancy of Australia, Paris 2024 Olympians Monika Paulikiene and Aine Raupelyte of Lithuania, French Olympians Lezana Placette and Alexia Richard, and defending Nuvali Challenge champions Anniina Parkkinen and Valma Prihti of Finland.

     

    Top-seeded Americans Corinne Quiggle and Chloe Loreen also headline the tournament, while former NBA player turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger banners the men’s side alongside Trevor Crabb.

     

    For Rondina, however, the moment is bigger than simply facing international stars.

     

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    Hosting a world-class event on Philippine sand gives local players a rare chance to grow without leaving home — and perhaps expose more Filipino fans to beach volleyball’s rising scene.

     

    “Honestly, it’s both exciting and pressuring. Even if it’s a home court advantage, it’s still different when you know the players you’re facing are more experienced or at a higher level. But aside from the pressure, I’m happy because this is happening here in the Philippines,” said Rondina.

     

    “It’s also great that there are audiences watching because we’re able to invite indoor volleyball supporters to watch beach volleyball too and experience a different side of the sport. Imagine the Philippines is competing against Olympians. We’re just praying that we can show a good performance.”

     

    Beyond Rondina and Pons, several other Philippine pairs are also fighting to make noise in the prestigious event.

     

    Sofiah Pagara and Khylem Progella moved within one win of the main draw after surviving Germany’s Mareet Maidhof and Tabea Schwarz in a dramatic qualifier, 21-19, 28-26.

     

    Pagara erupted for 25 points, including crucial plays after the Filipinas saved six match points in the second set.

     

    Meanwhile, Sunny Villapando and Gen Eslapor, Dij Rodriguez and Kly Orillaneda, and Alex Polidario and Jenny Gaviola all bowed out in the qualifiers against more experienced international opposition.

     

    For Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Tonyboy Liao, simply bringing this level of competition to the country already marks a major step for the program.

     

    “This is really good for the Philippine team because instead of traveling abroad, we get to compete here at home against international players. This tournament is a huge challenge because the level of competition is much higher. There are also more ranking points at stake, so it’s really a great opportunity for us,” said Liao.

     

    “Sisi and Pons are fighters no matter who they face. They’ll always compete hard. Hopefully, all the Philippine teams perform well, and hopefully, the Beach Pro Tour Challenge becomes a success. It’s also a big moment for us because this is our first term hosting an international event.”

     

    For Rondina and Pons, though, the mission feels simple. 

     

    The medals and titles may have already come in Southeast Asia, but this week offers something entirely different — a chance to see exactly how far Philippine beach volleyball can go against the sport’s biggest names. 

     

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  • From Alas roommates to Capital1 teammates: Bella Belen and Vanie Gandler’s friendship comes full circle 

    From Alas roommates to Capital1 teammates: Bella Belen and Vanie Gandler’s friendship comes full circle 

    Before Capital1 assembled what now looks like one of the most dangerous duos in the PVL, Bella Belen had already started planting the seeds — not in a boardroom, but in casual conversations with a friend.

     

    Long before Vanie Gandler officially joined the Solar Spikers, Belen was already half-jokingly trying to recruit her.

     

    “Minsan nga, before pa, niloloko ko na siya na bigyan niya ng chance si Capital1 if ever na maisipan niyang lumipat ng team,” Belen said.

     

    At the time, it sounded like playful banter between national teammates.Now, it feels strangely prophetic.

     

    The newly formed Belen-Gandler pairing at Capital1 did not begin with free agency headlines or blockbuster PVL moves. Their connection actually started quietly inside the Alas Pilipinas program, where two stars from rival schools unexpectedly found comfort in each other’s company.

     

    For Belen, it was a friendship she never anticipated developing.

     

    “‘Yung closeness namin ni Ate Vanie is very unexpected for me since hindi naman kami nag-abot. I mean, nag-abot kami [ilang] season lang sa college. Magkaiba kami na magkaiba. Magkaiba kami ng personalities,” Belen shared.

     

    They came from different volleyball worlds.

     

    Belen built her name as National University’s relentless centerpiece and eventual collegiate icon. Gandler, meanwhile, carved her own path at Ateneo before blossoming into one of the PVL’s premier scorers and eventually an MVP.

     

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    On paper, they were simply two elite outside hitters representing the same flag. But national team duty has a way of speeding up relationships.

     

    Between overseas trips, long training camps, and countless hours spent together during Alas Pilipinas assignments, the two gradually developed a friendship that stretched beyond volleyball itself. At times, they even became roommates during international competitions — moments that allowed their bond to deepen away from the pressure of matches and expectations.

     

    What began as small talk eventually became genuine closeness. “I’m very happy na nagkaroon ako ng bagong friends, na dumating si Ate Vanie. Everytime, kapag outside volleyball, nagchi-chikahan kami and all,” Belen said.

     

    That familiarity now gives Capital1 something far more valuable than just star power.

     

    The Solar Spikers are not simply bringing together two MVP-level talents. They are adding players who already understand each other beyond the court — personalities, habits, energy, even silence.

     

    And after years of building chemistry in the national team setup, the transition to becoming club teammates suddenly feels less like a new partnership and more like the continuation of an old one.

     

    Earlier this month, fans already got a glimpse of that dynamic when Belen, Gandler, and Erika Santos briefly played together for Team Heart during the PVL All-Star festivities.

     

    Soon, it becomes official business. For Capital1, Gandler’s arrival signals another massive leap toward contention. But for Belen, the move carries a more personal meaning.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez, Myla Pablo, Trisha Tubu banner retooled Alas Pilipinas pool for AVC Women’s Cup 

    Alyssa Valdez, Myla Pablo, Trisha Tubu banner retooled Alas Pilipinas pool for AVC Women’s Cup 

    When the original core of Alas Pilipinas Women slowly began thinning out ahead of the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, the national team found itself turning toward a different kind of solution.

     

    Not just younger players. But proven survivors.

     

    Leading that retooled pool are three names from different generations of Philippine volleyball — Alyssa Valdez, Myla Pablo, and Trisha Tubu — players who arrive carrying completely different journeys, yet now share the same responsibility of stabilizing a national team suddenly in transition.

     

    For Valdez, the return marks another chapter in a national team career that has already spanned nearly two decades.

     

    The longtime Creamline star once again answered the call after several former Alas mainstays withdrew from the continental tournament set from June 6 to 14 at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.

     

    Despite years of mileage, injuries, and countless international appearances, Valdez remains one of the country’s most recognizable volleyball figures and among the few players in the pool with extensive national team experience dating back to 2008.

     

    Alongside her comes Pablo, another veteran scorer whose return adds even more stability to the squad.

     

    The former Pocari Sweat star continues to command respect as one of the PVL’s battle-tested veterans, bringing leadership and offensive firepower to a team currently searching for continuity amid major roster changes.

     

    But perhaps the most intriguing inclusion is Tubu.

     

    Unlike Valdez and Pablo, the Farm Fresh Foxies standout enters the national pool carrying the momentum of a breakthrough conference.

     

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    Tubu emerged as one of the PVL’s biggest revelations after leading Farm Fresh to a semifinal appearance in the previous conference while finishing as the league’s second-best scorer.

     

    Her explosive rise transformed her from a promising wing spiker into one of the most dangerous local scorers in the professional ranks — making her inclusion one of the most significant additions to the revamped Alas setup.

     

    The national pool also received support from several PVL clubs willing to release players for international duty.

     

    Pablo’s club, Nxled Chameleons, agreed to lend a player to the national team for the first time, while Strong Group Athletics cleared players under its umbrella to participate in the program.

     

    Also joining the pool are Creamline libero Kyla Atienza, Nxled’s Julyana Tolentino, and Farm Fresh contributors Frances Xynia Molina.

     

    Several collegiate standouts were likewise tapped, including Tin Ubaldo, Clarisse Loresco, Jazlyn Ellarina, Lhoriz Tudao, Niña Ytang, Natalie Estreller, and Lara Mae Silva.

     

    Four players from NU Lady Bulldogs were also included in the training pool.

     

    But as Alas Pilipinas prepares for another turbulent international campaign, much of the attention now falls on the trio tasked to steady the program — the veteran leadership of Valdez and Pablo, and the rising confidence of Tubu.

     

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  • Shaq Delos Santos set to lead Alas Pilipinas in 2026 AVC Women’s Cup

    Shaq Delos Santos set to lead Alas Pilipinas in 2026 AVC Women’s Cup

    Weeks before the tournament begins in Candon City, the Alas Pilipinas finds itself adjusting not only to a reshuffled player pool but also to a sudden coaching change after Thai tactician Tai Bundit was sidelined following an accident in Bangkok that required ankle surgery.


    In response, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation turned to a familiar figure to stabilize the program.

     

    PNVF president Tony Boy Liao confirmed that Shaq Delos Santos has been appointed interim head coach of Alas Pilipinas Women for the AVC Women’s Cup scheduled from June 6 to 14 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

     

    The assignment places Delos Santos back in charge of the national team under circumstances far different from his previous stint.

     

    From 2018 to 2021, Delos Santos handled the women’s national squad in both the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games, helping guide the program during a rebuilding period. Now, he returns at another crucial transition point for Philippine volleyball — this time tasked with holding together a roster still searching for stability weeks before international competition.

     

    Alas Pilipinas Women has recently dealt with multiple player withdrawals and roster uncertainty, forcing the federation to rebuild much of its available pool ahead of the AVC Women’s Cup. Several established national team players have either declined invitations or prioritized recovery following a grueling collegiate and club season.

     

    Still, the federation believes Delos Santos’ familiarity with both local volleyball culture and national team dynamics makes him the ideal bridge while Bundit recovers.

     

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    The veteran coach will not be alone in steering the squad. Multi-titled PVL coach Sherwin Meneses and JP Yude will remain part of the coaching staff to support the national team during Bundit’s absence.

     

    The AVC Women’s Cup was originally expected to mark the beginning of a new era under Bundit after he officially took over the program earlier this year following the departure of Jorge de Brito. However, those plans were temporarily interrupted after Bundit suffered an ankle injury in a scooter accident in Bangkok, with reports estimating a recovery period of two to three months.

     

    Despite the challenges, the national team has continued to move forward with preparations.

     

    Recent reports also revealed that several players have already begun attending Alas Pilipinas training sessions, including veteran star Alyssa Valdez, who reportedly expressed willingness to help the program amid the team’s current transition phase.

     

    For Delos Santos, the assignment is less about long-term control and more about restoring structure during an unstable moment for the national team.

     

    With a short preparation window, an evolving roster, and mounting expectations ahead of a home tournament, Alas Pilipinas Women now leans on familiarity and experience as it attempts to regroup before returning to the international stage.

     

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  • NU Lady Bulldogs veterans put professional dreams on hold, return for one last championship run in Season 89

    NU Lady Bulldogs veterans put professional dreams on hold, return for one last championship run in Season 89

    The silver medal finish in UAAP Season 88 could have easily marked the end of an era for the NU Lady Bulldogs.


    Instead, it became the reason to stay. After falling short in another championship campaign, National University’s veteran stars have decided to delay their professional ambitions and return for one final season, keeping intact the core that has helped define the program’s winning culture in recent years.

     

    Veterans Vange Alinsug, Shaira Jardio, Cham Maaya, Alexa Mata, and Myrtle Escanlar have all committed to return for UAAP Season 89, giving NU one more opportunity to reclaim the crown before the team eventually transitions into a new era.

     

    Among the biggest developments was the official return of Alinsug.

     

    Following the Season 88 finals, uncertainty surrounded the future of the veteran captain after she previously responded with “We’ll see, we’ll see” when asked whether she would stay for another year or begin her professional career.

     

    Alinsug will return to lead the Lady Bulldogs one final time as NU attempts to turn a painful silver-medal finish into motivation for redemption next season.

     

    For reigning Season 88 Best Libero Jardio, meanwhile, the decision to stay was never complicated.

     

    “I stayed po dahil mahal ko ang NU community at gusto ko na mapag-champion namin yung last playing year namin,” she said.

     

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    Despite finally earning individual recognition as the league’s top libero, Jardio revealed that personal awards never became her priority throughout the season.

     

    “Hindi ko po kasi main goal yung award sa season na po to kasi yung main goal ko po talaga is yung championship,” the 21-year-old libero added.

     

    The decision of NU’s veterans to return together reflects something deeper than simply extending their collegiate careers. Rather than leave with unanswered questions and unfinished goals, the core group chose to chase one final opportunity side by side.

     

    Their return also stabilizes a program preparing for eventual transition as NU built its success around continuity, system, and culture, and bringing back its experienced leaders allows the Lady Bulldogs to remain among the top championship contenders despite the gradual departure of players from its dominant years.

     

    “Siguro reward ko nalang din sa sarili ko po ’yon at mas lalo ko pa po gagalingan sa last playing year ko po para sa team at makapag-championship po ulit,” Jardio added.

     

    While most of NU’s veteran core chose to stay, setter Lams Lamina officially closed her collegiate chapter after exhausting her eligibility and is now expected to become one of the notable names in the upcoming 2026 PVL Rookie Draft.

     

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